Champagne and Cali

Drinks at La Cave at the Aberdeen Marina Club.

Egly-Ouriet Brut Tradition Grand Cru - nice and smooth, very balanced in terms of acidity and ripeness on the palate.  Somewhat caramelized nose.

Dinner at the Horizon at the Aberdeen Marina Club.

1988 Kistler Chardonnay Kistler Estate Vineyard - the color was a beautiful amber.  Nose was very sweet, bubblegum-like, caramelized, honey, marmalade, and oaky.  Later on showed straw notes.  Ripe and mature but still alcoholic, with a finish that was kinda dry.  After 2 hours, this was totally buttery, with a little coconut.  An absolutely beautiful wine.

1998 Kistler Pinot Noir Kistler Vineyard - still really young and just beginning to soften up.  Really sweet and fruity, which is just what I would expect.  The slightly pungent smell of the grape skin is still evident here.

1986 Joseph Phelps Insignia - very strong notes of leather, kinda medicinal, stinky, smoky, earthy, pencil lead... and still some fruit left.  Very soft on the palate after almost 30 years.

Full post on dinner is here.